Both traditional cheese and fine goods shop Paxton and Whitefield (established 200 years ago) and relatively younger Dorset family baker Fudges (established in 1926) produce their own charcoal crackers. How do they compare?

The Paxton and Whitefield charcoal crackers have a stronger aroma. In terms of texture, they are firmer and are closer to oat cakes (but not as thick). They are very tasty. The Fudges ones, on the other hand, taste more bland but are a touch saltier. They are also thinner.

Both crackers are marketed as a complement to cheese. Which one you should go for really depends on the cheese you plan to have. However, if I were to have them on their own as a snack, I will definitely go for Paxton and Whitefield’s.

On thing worth mentioning is that you cannot buy Fudges charcoal crackers on their own. They are sold with oat & walnut crackers in a 180g box. This is rather annoying as I do not think the latter is that special and it has a whopping 14.2g of saturated fat per 100g! (charcoal crackers only have 1.2g) I always end up giving this half away!

Note:
Just in case you are wondering- none of the crackers claims to contain activated charcoal, which is the type of charcoal that can adsorb (not ‘absorb’ – read the Science here) harmful substances, eliminates bad breath or eases indigestion.